Senator Pushes to Legalize Marijuana in PA

Over a dozen states have already legalized marijuana in one form or another and Pennsylavania may be next.  State Senator Daylin Leach reintroduced a bill Monday to make smoking pot legal in the Commonwealth.

Democratic Sen. Daylin Leach said Monday in a press conference, "Some pepople have the image of marijuana, someone smoking marijuana like Jimi Hendrix.  They're more likely to look like Dick Cheney now, executives, middle aged folks who come home and should not be treated as criminals."

Senator Leach argues weed is less dangerous than both alcohol and tobacco.  He says its less addictive and there is no lethal dose.  Just like alcohol, the proposed bill would allow state stores to sell and regulate the drug.  Pennsylvanians would also be able to grow weed at home.  The bill would allow a total of six plants, three flowering at one time.  Senator Leach says by legalizing marijuana this would bring in revenue for the state, while saving money at the same time.  "We are spending about 350 million dollars a year in PA arresting, incarcerating, prosecuting and monitoring 25 thousand people a year approximatly for marijuana offenses."

No matter who you talk to everyone has their own opinions and they seem to be split right down the middle.

Nicole Kiefer of Scranton is against legalizing marijuana,"It is still a drug.  It still alters your mindset and it can whether, its proven or not, theres possible evidence it can lead to other types of drug usage."

Cathy Harrington of Scranton says, "I think you live in a society that its your choice if you like to do it.  Your not going to stop it anyway.  If people want to do it they are going to obatin it.  It  may not be legal but they are going to get it if they want it."

Senator Leach believes weed should also be legal for medical purposes.  18 states have already enacted laws to legalize medicinal marijuana.